How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

What if you could transform your entire kitchen look by simply refacing the cabinets? 

You will simply need to update the exterior parts of the cabinets, which will give a refreshing look to the entire kitchen. However, most homeowners are unaware of how to reface kitchen cabinets.

To simplify this, we have brought a small step-by-step guide on how to reface kitchen cabinets. 

By following this guide, you will be able to transform your kitchen cabinets like a professional.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is a common kitchen remodelling process in which you keep the existing cabinet layout and structure the same, but update its exterior parts, which involves:

• Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Covering the cabinet frames with laminates, wood, or veneers
• Updating the hinges and handles
• Adding decorative trim or molding

Kitchen cabinet refacing proves to be the easiest yet affordable way for homeowners who want to modernize their kitchen look without changing the existing layout.

How to Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a complete guide on how to reface your kitchen cabinets.

Step 1: Inspect and Prepare Your Cabinet Frames

Before starting to reface your cabinets, you need to first examine the structure of your existing cabinets. Check if there are no issues of water damage, mold, or loose joints. Strict examination becomes very essential as cabinet refacing becomes successful only when the frames are strong and stable. 

In case you notice any sort of structural issues in cabinet frames, it would be good to replace them instead of refacing. If you are wondering how much new kitchen cabinets cost, then the price usually varies depending on the style and finish. 

However, there are many online cabinet sellers like FastTrack Cabinets in the US that sell affordable kitchen cabinets without compromising quality.  

After examination, if you find that the cabinets are in good condition, you need to clean the surfaces perfectly with a degreaser. 

Kitchens produce a lot of grease and residue while cooking over time. In such greasy surfaces, it becomes hard to apply adhesives. That’s it, it will be better to clean the surfaces. 

Step 2: Remove Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

After cleaning your cabinet frames, you need to remove all the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware with the help of a drill or a screwdriver. Make sure to keep screws, hinges, and other small parts in zip bags or labeled containers to prevent losing any of them. 

This might seem underrating, but it saves you from frustration caused by losing any important screw at the time of installation. Once every part is detached, clean the entire cabinet box and its internal surfaces. This will ensure a dust-free foundation for your refacing.

Step 3: Measure and Order New Doors and Drawers Fronts

This is considered to be one of the most important steps of kitchen cabinet refacing. You will need to measure the height and width of each cabinet door and drawer front, as their sizes would vary a bit. 

Once done, you will need to measure the faceframe widths and edge thickness of each cabinet. It’s important for these measurements to be accurate, as you will need to order the doors and drawer fronts based on these measurements. 

Most homeowners do not know how to measure kitchen cabinets, which makes them order the wrong size, which will eventually lead to misalignment issues. 

Step 4: Apply Laminate, Veneer, or Paint to Cabinet Frames

Once all the measurements are taken perfectly, it’s time to transform the look of the external surfaces of cabinet frames. For this, you can use laminate, veneer, or paint. If you are using laminate or veneers, it is recommended to cut the sheets slightly larger than needed. Having a bit of a larger size is better than regretting having a smaller size later. 

After cutting the sheet, you need to apply adhesive to it and press the sheet firmly onto the cabinet sides and faceframe pieces. You can use a roller or block to prevent air bubbles and ensure a perfect fit. 

And if you are applying paint to cabinet frames, then you will need to apply primer first and then allow it to dry completely. Once dried, you can add 2-3 even coats of paint on the frames. 

Step 5: Install New Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

After the painted or laminated frames dry completely, you can attach your new kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts. In order to ensure a perfect fit and alignment of cabinet doors and drawers, use clamps to secure them temporarily until you screw them in place. 

It would be better to double-check the spacing and alignment so that all the doors and drawers open smoothly. Next, install new hardware like knobs, pulls, and hinges on the doors and drawers.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Small things create a significant impact. So, to enhance your cabinet refacing project, add final finishing upgrades like soft-close hinges, glass panel doors, crown molding, and floating shelving. 

This will help you enhance the overall look and style of your new kitchen cabinets. 

Final Say

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is the perfect way to keep your kitchen fresh for years without spending much. However, cabinet refacing succeeds only when you know how to reface your kitchen cabinets. By following the above-mentioned step-by-step process, even beginners can ensure a professional-looking cabinet refacing. 

Want to have high-quality and affordable kitchen cabinets delivered to your doorstep? FastTrack Cabinets becomes your reliable partner. With a wide range of cabinet styles, colors, and finishes, we help you style your kitchen with lasting beauty in an affordable way.

Explore our kitchen cabinet collection to keep your elegance for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to reface kitchen cabinets?

It usually takes 3-5 days to reface kitchen cabinets, depending on the size of your kitchen. However, refacing kitchen cabinets is much faster than a complete renovation, which can take several weeks.

• Can I reface my kitchen cabinets myself?

Yes, you can reface your kitchen cabinets as a DIY project. However, it can succeed only when you are comfortable with measurements, sanding, and hardware installation. Otherwise, it is better to seek expert guidance for a perfect refacing.

• How much does cabinet refacing cost?

Cabinet refacing is usually 50-70% more affordable compared to cabinet replacement. Most homeowners opt for cabinet refacing as they want to give a refreshing look to their kitchen without breaking the bank.